8 Best Face Cleansers for Men With Oily Skin Type

by Jay Kang | Updated on April 6th, 2023
oily skin mans face

Men generally have oilier skin and wider pores than women because they have more male hormone testosterone. Hence, people worldwide, especially males, suffer from oily skin.


If you have oily skin, finding a face cleanser that can eliminate excess oil without removing your skin’s natural moisture is essential.

By choosing a great cleanser, you can avoid acne and clogged pores, the two common problems associated with oily skin.

If you have no idea what a good cleanser for oily skin is, then read ahead because this article is for you.

Our top 8 picks for best face cleansers for men with oily face

Here are our top 8 recommendations if you want a face cleanser and have an oily skin type.

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing

I’ve mentioned this cleanser as my best face washes for men and wrote that this is the one I use personally. As an Asian man, oily skin is both genetic and a nuisance. Even the strongest, like this one, only last for a few hours, and oil accumulates throughout the day.

Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is an excellent choice for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser to help balance normal to oily skin while removing impurities without stripping skin of essential moisture.

The Calendula Flower Extract and Glycerin included in this face wash make it ideal for soothing and replenishing skin, making it a great option for sensitive skin. The lightweight foam of the face wash makes it easy to apply and rinse off, leaving the skin feeling refreshed. 

This product not only removes oil from my face but keeps it nice and smooth; that’s why I opt for this compared to the other Kiehl below.

Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash

Now, if you are obsessed with oily skin and want to feel completely free, this is your choice. This is our top pick because this face wash cleanses your pores to remove debris and oil buildup.

It contains finely ground apricot seeds for gentle physical exfoliation, leaving your skin smooth and shine-free. This product is known as an oil eliminator because it removes sweat, oil, and other skin pollutants.

It is manufactured by a reputable brand, Kiehl, known for providing high-quality grooming products with reliable results since 1851.

Pros

  • Reduces acne
  • Noncomedogenic
  • Great for oily skin
  • Tested by dermatologist
  • Exfoliates; with apricot seeds
  • Reduces the appearance of pores

Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser

If you want an all-natural exfoliator, then the Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser is the best option. It has a great combination of organic and natural components.

It contains glycolic acid, kaolin clay, and volcanic ash to help remove dull skin cells, clear pores, and eliminate oil. It can also combat acne and exfoliate dead skin without being harsh. It also has soothing and hydrating ingredients without making the skin oiler. These ingredients include sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, and olive oil.

Hence, with this cleanser, you’ll get a balance of soothing and exfoliating properties. No wonder it is the best-selling oily-skin face wash for males.

Pros

  • Non-drying formulation
  • Prevents growth of ingrown hair
  • Great for oily and acne-prone skin
  • It can also work as a purifying face mask

Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash

This cleanser’s gentle nature makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. It does not have parabens, synthetic scents, and phthalates. It was first developed as a pre-shave wash for oily skin, so it’s no surprise that it ranks highly on this list of the best face washes for oily, acne-prone male skin.

Despite the simplicity of its ingredients, it eliminates oil and grime effectively.  With great components like aloe to calm irritated skin and menthol for a minty freshness, this deep-cleansing and oil-remove get the job done. The clean, woodsy aroma is a welcome bonus.

Pros

  • Unclogs pores
  • Has a refreshing scent
  • Has a gentle formulation
  • Can tone and brighten the skin
  • Does not contain harmful ingredients

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

If your goal is to restore your skin’s natural barrier, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is the best option. It was developed in 2005 as a treatment for those with skin disorders that weaken the skin’s protective barrier.

This water-based cleanser is specially designed for oily skin types. Its formulation includes niacinamide which helps with inflammation, and glycerin for hydration. In addition, it has hyaluronic acid for attracting and trapping moisture to the skin’s surface.

It also contains three key ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) for restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. Dermatologists even suggested this cleanser since it is mild and effective at removing oil and impurities without irritating the skin.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Has great formulation
  • Great for normal to oily skin
  • Does not dry and irritate the skin

Bioré Men’s Skincare Charcoal Face Wash

Bioré Men’s Skincare Charcoal Face Wash was developed specifically for males with oily skin. This face wash by Bioré is unique among charcoal cleansers because it comes with a pump instead of requiring you to scoop the soap out with your hands.

Its specific formulation cleanses the face without overdrying it. It is dermatologist-tested and has been proven not to contain oil and parabens. Instead, it contains natural charcoal, which efficiently removes grime and other impurities from your pores.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Gentle formulation
  • Has natural charcoal
  • Suitable for oily skin
  • Tested by dermatologists

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Oil-Free Face Wash

This Neutrogena Men Face Wash was created to help eliminate oil, debris, and bacteria, and it does so in a way that is unique from other face washes. Even though Neutrogena is one of the most well-known skincare companies in the world, they have just recently introduced a range of products aimed squarely at men.

This stimulating men’s face wash contains no oil and will not clog your pores. Hence, it controls oil production without stripping the skin. After every wash, you’ll get a supple, refreshed, and hydrated feeling. It is even safe to use daily. To use it, apply a dime-sized amount of the foamy gel cleanser to your damp skin and massage it into a lather for optimal results.

Pros

  • Oil-free formulation
  • Has a cooling sensation
  • Does not dry out the skin
  • Approved by dermatologists

Brickell Clarifying Gel Face Wash For Men

Brickell Clarifying Gel Face Wash For Men is a cleanser derived from coconut oil. Cleansers of this type remove oil. This product also contains geranium oil, a potent antiseptic that washes away dirt and grime. Another ingredient this cleanser has is aloe vera gel which is known to revitalize, rehydrate, and combat acne.

This clarifying cleanser is manufactured by Brickell, a brand known for its men’s grooming products. Brickell uses only organic and natural components, a major selling feature in their products.  Despite its high cost, a small amount of this face wash goes a long way. A tiny amount works into a rich lather that effectively removes greasy buildup and debris. It’s not the cheapest face wash out there, but one bottle will last a long time.

Pros

  • Reduces acne
  • Value for money
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Does not overdry skin
  • Has oil control capabilities
  • Organic formulation; does not contain harmful chemicals
Fair skin with wide pores in face of Southeast Asian, Myanmar or Korean adult young man.

Ingredients to consider when buying a face wash for your oily skin

They are certain elements you should search for when buying a face cleanser for men with oily skin type

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

It’s a type of beta-hydroxy acid that can help your skin look more radiant. In fact, with this acid, you will be able to remove excess oil along with blackheads and acne.

Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a common ingredient in skincare products because of its ability to absorb impurities and excess oil from the skin. However, using charcoal masks is another story. It is different from activated charcoal as the former can overdry your skin, making it even oiler. Additionally, charcoal masks can also stain your clothing.

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Glycolic Acid is a chemical exfoliator, so it naturally unclogs your pores. In other words, it helps decrease acne and blackheads, making it an excellent ingredient for a cleanser for males with oily skin types.

Aloe

This ingredient is extremely moisturizing and has built-in antibacterial characteristics.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide, is a form of niacin or Vitamin B3. This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in the body. It can reduce the appearance of big pores. That is why it has become a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its numerous skin benefits.

Retinol

Retinol is a retinoid that can be purchased without a prescription. It is a derivative of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important in the body as it helps achieve healthy skin and is also good for the eyes and the immune system.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is an effective ingredient for removing dead skin cells. This reduces the appearance of excess sebum and acne. However, be careful not to overuse it since its side effects include dryness and redness. When applying one, start with low benzoyl peroxide and work your way up. You should see a dermatologist if your skin is extremely dry or red.

Dos and don’ts in taking care of oily skin

Here are some practices you should and should not do to take care of your skin properly.

  • Avoid over-washing
  • Avoid harsh scrubbing
  • Refrain from touching your face excessively
  • Use the right moisturizer
  • Apply sunscreen

Conclusion

Sometimes it takes a lot of experimentation to get the best face wash. Always remember that the best face cleanser for you is the one that works best with your skin type and preferences. You should choose a mild cleanser with no added scents or natural chemicals, as they can aggravate your skin.

We’ve written this piece to help you narrow down the myriad possibilities and zero in on the most promising solutions.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links.

Jay Kang

Just because i'm asian does not mean I don't need shaving. I always wanted to grow a beard when I was young, now I need to shave because hair growth for me is a problem. I'm going through what every man will and has gone through before.

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